Zimbabwe steps up campaign for UN Security Council seat

Envoys from across the world are expected to arrive in Zimbabwe this week as the country intensifies its diplomatic campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.

The high-level visits form part of a broader international outreach strategy being led by the Second Republic to consolidate support ahead of elections scheduled for June 3, 2026.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira recently conducted outreach visits to the Pacific and Caribbean regions, including Solomon Islands and Fiji, as part of efforts to secure backing for Zimbabwe's candidature.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the engagements, undertaken under the directive of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, were aimed at strengthening bilateral relations while promoting inclusive global governance.

He said the delegation held high-level meetings focusing on solidarity between landlocked developing countries and Small Island Developing States facing climate-related challenges, and reaffirmed support for UN General Assembly Resolution 78/319 on sea-level rise.

Dr Soda added that Zimbabwe had secured political support from several countries, including Solomon Islands, Tonga, and various Caribbean states, alongside the signing of joint communiqués.

Responding to questions, Minister Murwira said the visiting envoys would be taken to strategic sites in Zimbabwe as part of efforts to demonstrate the country's stability, peace, and reliability on the global stage.

"They will be arriving this week and we are going to show them several strategic places, demonstrating the reliability, the peacefulness and the stability of Zimbabwe," he said.

He said Zimbabwe's campaign strategy is based on inclusive engagement across all United Nations member states, including targeted outreach to smaller states often grouped within the broader international system.

Murwira added that the campaign was also helping to strengthen South-South cooperation while opening new diplomatic and economic opportunities for Zimbabwe and partner countries.

Zimbabwe's bid has already received endorsement from the African Union, providing a strong regional foundation for its campaign.

If successful, Zimbabwe will serve as one of the 10 rotating non-permanent members of the UN Security Council alongside the five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.